Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, family, and food, but let’s be real, it often turns into an environment of grocery runs, oven juggling, and dishwashing marathons. If the thought of basting a turkey while entertaining guests makes you want to hide in the pantry, you’re not alone.
That’s why more people are skipping the kitchen chaos and heading out to restaurants that stay open on Thanksgiving Day.
The main advantages in this scenario are that you don’t have to cook, there’s no cleaning, you get nice food, and you have some company.
So keep in mind that dining out is an innovative and stress-free way to enjoy this celebration. I have personally searched for the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in USA, and that is why I am creating this blog post to cover all of them, so you can also book for your celebration.
National Chain Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
You have to always keep in mind that National chains in your specific area are always a go-to for reliable occasion celebrations. And this is especially for Thanksgiving, where meals are the greatest priority during family meetups. These restaurants offer special menus and family-style options.
I have personally dined at a few of them during holidays, and they are lifesavers for last-minute plans. Now I will give you a list of the top 10 best national chains that are open on Thanksgiving.
1. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is a comfortable and classic option for a Thanksgiving celebration. It starts its opening from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in most locations.
Their holiday spread includes roasted turkey with cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie, all for $15-20 per person.
2. Denny’s
Denny’s keeps it casual and open 24/7, but on Thanksgiving, some resources say that its opening and closing times are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
You can have breakfast, lunch, and enjoy dinner as well in these extended hours with turkey, stuffing, and pie just like what you see in travel movies. It’s budget-friendly for families, and I’ve loved the unlimited coffee to keep chats flowing.
3. IHOP
IHOP tops the situation by flipping a pancake and a turkey. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes at almost 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. By dining there, you can enjoy their famous Rooty Tooty Fresh N Fruity Pancakes at $12 to $15 range.
This place is good for kids or a brunch atmosphere, and I have been getting gift card deals for easy gifting.
4. Boston Market
Boston Market has fresh grilled savory sides and chicken. On occasions, there will be seasonal dishes and accompaniments, such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
With home-style feasts, it opens for shorter hours on Thanksgiving, but you can still enjoy it in that limited time. The existing holiday turkey dinner offered by Boston Market to a single person costs $16.99. It is
made of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
5. Applebee’s
Applebee’s does not require reservations even on Thanksgiving-like occasions. However, some of the places might close earlier.
While visiting there, if it does not seem like the Thanksgiving meal, you will be able to enjoy all your favorite foods during the holiday. Their plate of Ultimate trio lets you choose your favourite three appetizers for $14.99. Most of the customers enjoy that.
6. Hardee’s
Hardee’s is one of the most loved restaurants among the fast food chains on Thanksgiving. It contributes to serving breakfast to dinner, including bacon sandwiches, juicy burgers, and crispy fries.
You can have Thanksgiving breakfast at Hardee’s, or you can have a mid-day burger or a late-night snack at this chain. Either way, this chain is highly recommended as a tasty snack during this holiday period.
7. Golden Corral
Golden Corral’s buffet is a feast dream for most people. It opens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. I have loved the all-you-can-eat variety, and it’s a hit for big families because no cooking is required. The price per person ranges from $20 to $35 for adults and $10 to $15 for children.
Golden Corral, similar to other restaurants that are open during Thanksgiving, also serves a complete holiday meal to go. It has 6 to 8 diners and they consist of turkey, glazed ham, pork roast, traditional sides, and a whole pie.
8. Bob Evans
Let me tell you that if you are having a craving for home-cooked food, then this one is for you. You can savor the warmth of home-cooked food at Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen. This is an open-chain restaurant that serves the regular dinner menu and also lunch and breakfast on Thanksgiving Day.
Bob Evans also serves four distinct Thanksgiving meals. You can pick up any of them and eat them back home without having to cook.
9. Waffle House
If you are a waffle lover, then Waffle House is a great choice for you. This provides its customers with mouth-filling and tasty Thanksgiving dining food.
On occasions such as Thanksgiving, Waffle House opens up early in the morning and offers all of the regular day food items. I will suggest that if you want a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast food on the morning of Thanksgiving, then this will be a great option.
10. Burger King
If you’re looking for a quick-service food hub this Thanksgiving, then Burger King is open throughout the holiday.
This fast-food favorite will be offering its regular menu of burgers, fries, and more with both drive-through and carryout service. Most outlets will also have the full Burger King breakfast available. But individual locations may have reduced hours, so I suggest you call ahead before you go.
Local Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day by Region
If you are looking for some local picks, let me tell you that you will be surprised to know this. For a more unique twist, local spots in major cities offer everything from fusion buffets to cozy prix fixe dinners.
I have searched for the best options in NYC, LA, and Chicago, and keep in mind to book 4-6 weeks early, as they fill fast.
Here’s a brief description of it that will help you while dining there and for booking purposes:
1. New York City
I am not aware if you know, but as I have experienced in New York City, the Thanksgiving scene is very attractive and makes you feel hungry and luxurious on the spot.
Cathédrale East Village Restaurant offers a French-inspired prix fixe. If I tell you about the prices, then the price per person at Cathédrale in the East Village varies depending on the dining experience. With a happy hour menu, it offers items such as $2 oysters, $5 lobster rolls, and $8 champagne.
Copinette’s is a classy restaurant serving American cuisine with French touches in its surroundings. It costs you around $78 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and offers classic dishes.
Joe’s Stone Crab’s servings are decided according to the size of the claws and the number of claws for each person. This is typically seven medium, six select, five large, or four jumbo claws per person. It costs you around $100 or more per person.
Tip: Some famous NYC spots, such as some mentioned above, require deposits of $50/person at some places, so it is suggested to call for a booking at the last minute.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles has the ability to blend your entertaining energy with holiday warmth by offering you classy locations and restaurants for dining at Thanksgiving.
Crossroads Kitchen is a vegan fine-dining restaurant. It is available in various locations and is present near Los Angeles. You can opt for various deals and options here, as some of them start at $95 per person with multiple dishes, but you have to reserve early.
The Little Door has been a French Mediterranean restaurant since 1996, and it serves rustic meals, high-quality wines, and cocktails. For dining there, you have to reserve your place before dining. It costs you around $65-$85 on occasion.
Tip: LA hotels require 48-hour confirmations and reservations from your end, and you should expect the cost of around $65 for kids’ menus.
3. Chicago
Chicago is a windy city, and just as its season, its feasts are also hearty. It offers various locations and restaurants that you can enjoy for an occasional meetup with family and enjoy meals.
Big Jones is a coastal Southern-style cuisine with a large whisky and bourbon menu. All of this gets served in a bright and minimalistic place, having another level of class and freshness. You can have vegan options in serving, some happy hour food, and great cocktails, and this costs you around $7 to $18 for appetizers and $9 to $18 for brunch items.
Travelle at Langham’s is a luxurious lounge and eatery in Chicago, featuring sophisticated new American cuisine and river views. You can also have a private dining room there, and the cost depends on your food orders and the time spent. Most reviews suggest that it’s a high-end dining space for customers.
Dearborn’s is a stylish American hangout restaurant that serves seasonal food and drinks, including cocktails. It has great reviews you can check out, along with a great dining place and taste. You can enjoy happy-hour food and great cocktails. The costs depend on the servings, but some resources say that you should have the budget for $300 per person, as it is a high-end cuisine.
Tip: Chicago’s restaurants require early calls and reservations from their customers.
According to my experience, you should check Yelp for reviews and availability. With deposits ($50-100/person) common, plan ahead for a seamless feast.
Types of Thanksgiving Dining Experiences
Thanksgiving dining runs the scale. You can opt for all-you-can-eat spreads or grab-and-go meals. If I tell you personally, I’ve tried them all, and each suits a different vibe. Now I will give you a breakdown, so you can have a better experience.
1. Buffet-Style
Buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a public area where the diners serve themselves. This style of Thanksgiving dinner experience provides customers with many options that can be prepared quickly and offer variety for different tastes. While also allowing customers to have unlimited portions.
It is a very fast way of feeding many people, and thus popular for receptions or any other event. This is a great way to manage people’s food by serving hot food to a large number of people at once, such as in hotels, restaurants, or schools.
2. Prix Fixe Menus
Prix Fixe is a type of multi-course meal where a set price is charged per person for the entire bill. This tends to be a format in the fine dining world or for special occasions.
Let me tell you that it also delivers some luxury and predictability for guests. And a leaner menu would mean improved efficiency and lower food costs for restaurants.
3. Takeout and Delivery Options
Takeout and delivery take the eating out of dining in. It allows customers to have restaurant food at home. Takeout lets customers visit the store to pick up their meal themselves with no delivery fees, fresh food, possibly better service, and many more.
Delivery, meanwhile, takes place when the restaurant or a third-party service hand-delivers the meal right to the customer’s location for extra convenience.
How to Find Open Restaurants Near You
I know very well that finding open spots is not that easy with the apps. That is why I have used various methods to explore all of these that I have mentioned above for Thanksgiving meals. And now I will mention the ways that you can also opt for finding open restaurants near you on this occasion..
1. Use Google Maps
Google Maps is my first stop. Search “restaurants open on Thanksgiving near me,” and it filters results with hours and ratings. I’ve pinned favorites such as Cracker Barrel for quick access.
Pro tip: Check “Open Now” and user reviews for holiday specials and zoom in for local buffets.
2. Use Yelp
Yelp’s reviews shine for real talk. You just have to search “Thanksgiving restaurants [city],” sorting by “Open Now.” I have found hidden gems such as vegan spots in LA with 4.5 stars.
Pro tip: Use filters for “Delivery” or “Takeout” because it is great for last-minute plans. Photos show menu vibes, helping decide.
3. Use OpenTable
OpenTable is reservation gold. You just have to search for “Thanksgiving” in your city for prix fixe options with availability. I have booked at NYC’s Cathédrale for $95/person, seeing real-time slots. It lists menus and deposits filtered by price or cuisine.
Final Thoughts
When planning your next event or outing, consider the value of investing $95 per person. This price point allows for a memorable experience, whether it’s a special celebration, corporate event, or a fun gathering with friends.
Keep in mind that by allocating this budget, you can enhance personalization and ensure that each guest feels valued and catered to. Ultimately, ensuring a unique and engaging experience is essential, and this investment can help create lasting memories for everyone involved.
